U.S. Department of Energy Identifies Federal Sites for AI Data Centers Powered by Clean Energy

In April 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the identification of 16 federally owned sites suitable for the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers powered by clean energy. This initiative aims to address the escalating energy demands of AI technologies, which have significantly increased electricity consumption in data centers. The selected sites, including prominent national laboratories such as Los Alamos, Sandia, and Oak Ridge, offer existing energy infrastructure and the potential for expedited permitting processes, particularly for nuclear energy projects.

The DOE has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from industry stakeholders on developing AI infrastructure at these locations. The RFI seeks insights into various aspects, including power requirements, construction timelines, and strategies for co-locating energy sources with data centers. The goal is to commence construction by the end of 2025 and have operational AI data centers by late 2027.

This initiative reflects a bipartisan effort to enhance the United States' leadership in AI and clean energy. While the original directive was part of an executive order signed by former President Joe Biden to promote AI infrastructure powered by renewable energy, the subsequent administration under President Donald Trump has continued to support the development of data centers on federal lands. The DOE emphasizes the importance of leveraging domestic resources to power the AI revolution while ensuring affordable, reliable, and secure energy for the American people.